Authorities were still searching for the cause of amysterious chemical odor(external - login to view) that enveloped central Israel on Thursday, discounting reports that it originated in chemical ground disinfection operations in the south of the Sharon region.

Earlier in the day, residents of Tel Aviv, Gush Dan and central Israel complained of a harsh chemical substance that could be felt in the air.

Many people described the smell as similar to the smell of chlorine. Initially, the Home Front Command believed the source of the smell could be gas drilling near Nitzanim in southern Israel. However, the claims were proven wrong. No special instructions were given to the residents, as the Ministry of the Environment stated that no dangerous substances were detected.